Inside Cornwall’s only dedicated Afro hair salon and community hub

A new feature from ITV News spotlights a textured-hair salon in Cornwall led by Sisi Cherinet—believed to be the only dedicated Afro hair space of its kind in the county. More than a place for hair appointments, the salon doubles as a community hub where people from Black and ethnic minority backgrounds can showcase art, host events and support small business pop-ups. In a region where access to textured-hair expertise can be hard to find, the space offers inclusive care, visibility and a cultural anchor point for residents and visitors alike.

A chair, a canvas, a community: how the salon came to life

According to ITV News, Sisi Cherinet’s vision reaches beyond styling to create a cultural and entrepreneurial heartland. The salon brings together local talent and textured-hair specialists, providing a trusted destination for clients who have historically needed to travel to larger cities for services. It also opens its doors to artists and small business owners from minoritised communities, who can exhibit work, trial retail concepts and run workshops.

For clients, the experience is about comfort, representation and knowing that stylists understand the nuances of Afro and textured hair. For creatives and entrepreneurs, it’s a platform—one that not only helps them reach customers but also embeds their brands and stories into Cornwall’s cultural fabric. The hub model, blending service with community programming, is increasingly seen across the UK as a way to strengthen local economies and social cohesion while tackling disparities in beauty service access.

Why access to Afro haircare still lags in rural Britain

Although textured hair is part of the UK’s beauty mainstream, provision is uneven. Outside metropolitan centres, clients with Afro and curly hair frequently report long journeys for specialist care, limited stylist choice and irregular appointment availability. Cornwall’s geography—spread-out towns and seasonal footfall—can compound those challenges. The result is more than inconvenience: it can affect hair health, protective styling maintenance and confidence, particularly for young people and new residents.

Community-driven spaces like Cherinet’s aim to address that gap by providing consistent services for coils, curls and protective styles, tailored advice for maintenance and breakage prevention, and education that helps clients make informed choices. They also create a visible statement: textured hair belongs everywhere in the UK, not just in specific postcodes.

• Reduced travel time: reliable local textured-hair services limit costly and time-consuming trips.
• Continuity of care: regular trims, treatments and style upkeep become realistically achievable.
• Education: clients receive tailored guidance on scalp health, moisture balance and routine planning.
• Representation: models, imagery and service menus reflect diverse hair types and cultural needs.
• Community comfort: the salon functions as a welcoming space for conversation, events and support.

Skills, standards and the inclusion conversation

Across the UK, the conversation about textured-hair proficiency has gained traction in recent years. Industry bodies, educators and campaigners have continued to push for training pathways that treat Afro and textured hair as core curriculum rather than optional extras. In parallel, the Equality and Human Rights Commission has issued guidance clarifying that discriminatory policies affecting Afro hair—such as blanket bans on natural styles in schools—are likely unlawful under the Equality Act 2010. While this guidance sits in the education context, it reflects a broader societal shift towards recognising and respecting natural hair.

For salons, this means investing in ongoing training, expanding service menus to include coils, kinks and curls, and building confident communication with clients. In regions like Cornwall, where fewer specialists may be available, salons that prioritise textured-hair competency can become regional anchors. The benefits are tangible: better outcomes for hair health, greater client trust and a more inclusive local beauty economy.

Client-centred practices make the difference:

• Consultations that explore hair goals, routine, strand pattern, porosity and lifestyle.
• Technique-led services that respect shrinkage, density, curl clumping and protective styling timelines.
• Realistic maintenance plans tailored to local access—e.g., elongating styles between appointments.
• Clear aftercare guidance, from detangling to night-time protection and moisture balance.

Culture meets commerce: what a salon-hub can unlock in Cornwall

By design, Cherinet’s space is not only about hair—it’s about visibility, collaboration and opportunity. Exhibitions, maker markets and micro-retail bring new audiences into the salon and help creators test ideas with real customers. For visitors, events can be a cultural gateway into Cornwall’s diverse communities; for locals, they reinforce belonging and shared pride. This model also makes commercial sense: footfall from events can translate into bookings, while a vibrant salon adds texture to the local high street.

For early-stage founders and artists, the hub format reduces barriers to entry—short-term pop-ups, community showcases and fair access to display space can help build proof of concept and momentum. Meanwhile, clients get a richer experience: beauty, culture and conversation under one roof.

• Pop-ups and showcases provide low-risk routes for small businesses to meet customers.
• Cross-pollination: visitors drawn by art or markets discover specialist hair services (and vice versa).
• Mentorship and networking can emerge organically among stylists, artists and founders.
• Local pride grows as the salon reflects Cornwall’s evolving cultural landscape.

Key Takeaways

• ITV News spotlights a Cornwall salon led by Sisi Cherinet, believed to be the county’s only dedicated Afro hair hub.
• The space blends textured-hair services with exhibitions and pop-ups for Black and ethnic minority creatives and founders.
• Access to specialist care outside major cities remains limited; local provision supports hair health and confidence.
• Growing emphasis on textured-hair training and inclusive practices is reshaping UK salon standards.
• Salon-community models can boost local culture and commerce, drawing new audiences and opportunities to the high street.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this really the only Afro-focused salon in Cornwall?
ITV News reports it is believed to be the only dedicated space of its kind in the county. Regardless, it addresses a clear access need for textured-hair services in the region.

What services do Afro and textured-hair salons typically provide?
Services often include consultations, trims and shaping for curls and coils, protective styling, treatment plans for moisture and strength, colour services with texture-aware techniques and routine education.

How can I tell if a stylist is experienced with my curl pattern?
Ask about training and experience, request a portfolio of work on similar textures, read client reviews and book a consultation to discuss goals, maintenance and approach.

Why is textured-hair training still a talking point in the UK?
Access and outcomes vary by region. Industry stakeholders continue to promote training that treats Afro and textured hair as essential competencies, helping ensure consistent, confident care nationwide.

What does UK equality guidance say about Afro hair?
The Equality and Human Rights Commission has advised that policies penalising natural Afro hairstyles—particularly in schools—are likely unlawful under the Equality Act 2010, reflecting broader recognition of hair diversity.

How do community-led salons support small businesses?
By hosting pop-ups, exhibitions and maker markets, salons provide low-barrier routes to customers and encourage collaboration between stylists, artists and founders, strengthening local cultural and commercial ecosystems.

What should I bring to my first appointment?
Bring photos of your current hair and goals, outline your routine and any product sensitivities, and be ready to discuss lifestyle so your stylist can tailor maintenance and aftercare.

Can visitors to Cornwall access these services, too?
Yes—community hubs welcome locals and visitors. Booking ahead is recommended, especially during peak seasons, to secure time with textured-hair specialists.